Monroe County parents accused of keeping kids in cages have plea in October

By Brad Williams

A Monroe County couple accused of keeping their kids in homemade cages could avoid a trial on child abuse charges.

Travis and Amy Headrick of Melvina were scheduled for a plea hearing next week, but that has been postponed until October.

Last August, the Headricks were charged with forcing their children to remain confined in cages that were tied shut.

Investigators say the children, all age 10 or older, have conditions such as attention deficit disorder, and Mrs. Headrick claims the kids were being separated to avoid harming themselves.

Demonstrators have protested outside the courthouse in Sparta during previous hearings for the Headricks, criticizing judges for letting the couple out of jail.